The Binding [Paperback]

Widow Korrene Greenwood begins writing an epic novel about the Sylvan Elves. Her hero is Rendolin, who seems to be haunting her dreams. Korrene worries that she is losing her mind as she feels Rendolin is stalking her. She decides to destroy her manuscript but he manages to stop her by persuading her that her actions would end his world. They begin to adopt her manuscript's main story line to forge a plan to save the elves of Tylana, but will she accept the fate that Mac Lir has in store for her?

THE BINDING is an absorbing romantic fantasy. The main plot is exciting because readers will believe in the world of elves. Rendolin is a classic hero who will leave readers panting for a taste of his magical essence. Kory does not come across as a world savior as she seems to struggle with depression and loneliness and that makes her all the more ral to the audience. The star-species' relationship is beautifully told and the war of survival is exciting. Similar in respect to the Never Ending Story, PhyllisAnn Welsh provides an entertaining opening installment to the Sylvan War Saga.

Harriet Klausner

Rendolin, the high priest of the Sea Elves of Tylana, must save his people from the evil god, Tuwatha. The problem is, the only way he can do that is by Binding (like getting married) to a human woman. And not just any human woman -- one from a whole other world! Earth!

Kory is a fantasy writer who thinks the hero of her story, Rendolin, is coming to life. Of course, it scares her to death, and so she tries to get rid of him by destoying her book. Only thing is, that makes him determined to stop her. So he takes her back to his world and tells her she has to Bind to him. It's the only way the silvan race will survive.

This story is fun and very romantic. Ms. Welsh has a way with descriptions and her characters -- they just seem to come alive!

If you like sexy elves, you're gonna love this book!

Rendolin is astonished when Korrene tries to destroy the book that contains all of the information on his people and their world. Determined to save them, and Korrene, he whisks her off to his magical island of Sasheena, the land that the God, Mac Lir, will protect by bringing Rendolin and Korrene together in a Binding.

Ms. Welsh creates a cast of characters easy to fall in love with. Rendolin is devoted to his people and his God, willing to do anything to save them from the danger that lays ahead which could be responsible for their total annihilation. Korrene is more than believable as a heroine who is torn between two worlds, one which is real to her, the other what she thought was of her own creation. Her reactions to Rendolin, his family, friends, and Sasheena are what you would expect from someone pulled away from everything they know and love.

THE BINDING is a tale rich with vivid imagery, narrative prose and dialogue that sparks and sings between the characters - Rendolin, in particular. This fantasy love story of elves and the human sent to save them from disaster encompasses all of your senses and touches your every emotion.

I highly recommend PhyllisAnn Welsh as a spellbinding storyteller, and THE BINDING as a tender, complex and original tale not to be missed.